Chicago...

[slightlv]

Hubby and I haven't had a vacation in decades... not since before 9/11. We've decided we're going to Chicago to celebrate our anniversary. We're going slow and easy... on Amtrak.

I'm wondering if we have an Chicago DU'ers who can give us suggestions. I see where the Tall Ship Windy is going to be there during that time (+/- Sept 21st), and hubby will want to check it out. I want to do a dinner cruise. But other than that, we're so open to suggestions! We'd like to stay around the Union Station area, so we don't have to worry about transportation. Hopefully we can walk to most everything.

Thanks!!!!

[bahboo]

1. cabs and uber are easy if you need them....

I would suggest taking the architectural river cruise. Fantastic....

[cbabe]

2. Art museum, Field museum, Lincoln Park zoo

Adler planetarium. Navy pier. Grant park (remember our guy!)

Ukrainian National museum.

Walk the waterfront and miracle mile.

Ride the L for fun and views.

What do you enjoy? Chicago is a great city with many everythings for all.

[Casady1]

3. My wife is from Chicago

and I have been there a good 30 times. It is a great city. My wife asked me what do you want to do. We usually stay up on Wacker.
No trip to Chicago is complete without dinner in Greek town.

[Dear_Prudence]

4. Fishes and Turtles

Shedd Aquarium has some beautiful displays, and it is indoors. I am poorly educated in art, but the Chicago Art Institute features artists so famous that Ninja Turtles were named after them! Have fun! (My cousin lives in Chicago so I have visited many times.)

[nycbos]

5. Steppenwolf Theatre, Broadway in Chicago (lot cheaper the Way)

If you are fans of Live comedy, Chicago has more comedy, clubs, than people. Zanes, Laugh Factory, 2nd City, and iO are places to consider. Kingston Mines and Buddy Guy Legends are good places for Chicago blues.


And if either of you are baseball fans, and the Cubs are in town on a trip to Wrigley is always worth it

[ChazInAz]

12. The Steppe!

I used to live above a Chinese grocery on Canal Street in Chinatown, while working at Steppenwolf.
Long ago, when I was ever so much younger than I am now!

[ShazzieB]

6. Millennium Park is a great morning or afternoon outing.

Cloudgate (aka the Bean), Crown Fountain, and more.

[raising2moredems]

7. Pizza tour!

Ride Dough Force One (believe it is still around) and sample numerous Chicago pizzas.

[consider_this]

8. Take a Segway tour, cocktails at top of the Hancock

We did a great Seway tour years ago of the Lakefront/Grant Park and Museum Campus. It is great fun and you get a great overview of this gorgeous part of the city, and can cover so much ground. Just pick a place that keeps the groups small - those make sure you really know how to ride it before the tour heads out.

The view from Hancock observatory is fabulous, but you can opt instead of paying for observatory, go to the bar which is nearly as high up and still get the views.

Already mentioned above, but I will second that the Architectural River boat tours are great.

[slightlv]

9. The segway tour sounds really cool!!

A lot of great suggestions. We appreciate them all. There's really so little to do that we like in this small city we're in (other than parks and get togethers with friends), I'm sure we'll fall in love with all Chicago has to offer!

I honed in on the Architectural River boat tours. Those sound really interesting.

Thank you everyone!

[nwliberalkiwi]

10. The Green Mill

Try the Green Mill for Jazz, just a couple of blocks from the Red Line Station. Bring cash, there is a small cover charge.
Take a noon tour of the Chicago Theater on State Street---great tour!!!

[Gato Moteado]

17. i used to live in andersonville....not too far from the green mill.....

....one of my favorite bars in chicago.

[nwliberalkiwi]

11. The Green Mill

Try the Green Mill for Jazz, just a couple of blocks from the Red Line Station. Bring cash, there is a small cover charge.
Take a noon tour of the Chicago Theater on State Street---great tour!!!

[cbabe]

13. Social justice walks along the lake

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100218179869

[consider_this]

14. since you are arriving at Union Station...

You might want to walk a couple blocks north to check out the 'French Market' in lower level of Ogilvie station.
It's kind of a food hall - many varieties of meals to be had (ethnic, etc) or shop for fancy cheeses, sweets, wines, etc - stuff that you could enjoy there or take for later enjoyment. Has a busy kinda festive vibe.

[slightlv]

15. This sounds like someplace I could lose myself

for an entire afternoon! (LOL) cheese, wine, and sweets.... with my sweetie!

Is Illinois a legal state for pot, btw?

[ProfessorGAC]

16. Totally Legal

Dispensaries everywhere.
And, as supply has risen to demand prices have fallen significantly in the past couple years.
Flower is

[Gato Moteado]

18. field museum of natural history is not to be missed.....

....art institute as well.

[Gato Moteado]

19. also.....

on the NW side of town, on the corner of milwaukee and nagle and devon, there is an old drive thru hot dog stand called superdawg. go have a chicago hot dog there....you'll thank me.

[mucifer]

20. The Architecture Walking Tours and Boat Tours are great

https://www.wendellaboats.com/schedule-tickets/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgPWbudf5ggMVPWJHAR3r_QA-EAAYASAAEgJhoPD_BwE

https://www.architecture.org/tours/detail/chicago-architecture-a-walk-through-time/

[Stuart G]

21. Museum of Science and Industry, and.......ride beautiful.... Lake Shore Drive...(It borders on Lake Michigan)

Lake Shore Drive...on Lake Michigan...is one of the most beautiful highways in a major city in any part of the world....

(and I have been all over the world)

[davsand]

22. I agree that LSD is breathtaking!

There is NOTHING I have ever seen like Lakeshore Drive!

I would suggest taking the time to hit the Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry. Adler Planetarium is also pretty cool. This time of year Navy Pier is not as exciting as it is in the summer, but it is a Chicago landmark.

I do want to warn you that the wind coming off Lake Michigan really is a lot colder than you might expect. Seriously. There's a reason why Chicago natives have the reputation for grilling out in the winter. That wind makes 'em tough!

Have fun!


Laura